Workplace Health & Safety
OTML’s Safety and Occupational Health vision is “Nobody Gets Hurt”, with safety as a core value for the business. OTML’s Safety Policy is based on the belief that all accidents are preventable and that an incident and injury-free workplace is achievable.OTML has developed a comprehensive Safety and Occupational Health management system with Policies, standards, and procedures supported by training.
OTML applies a behaviour-based safety program (iLEAD) which supports communication of management’s safety expectations, monitoring of behaviour and use of safety tools/activities including inspections, hazard identification and job safety observations. Indicators are tracked and reported against monthly targets for compliance with expectations.
An important contributor to improving the safety performance at Ok Tedi is the use of risk assessment tools and safe work procedures. A systematic risk-based approach is applied across the business to identify potentially fatal or life-changing hazards and risks. Specific action plans are developed for each area of significant risk to mitigate the high-risk incidents.
OTML Occupational Health & Wellness program focuses on Fitness for Work including illicit drug and alcohol testing for employees and contractors, fatigue and lifestyle disease screening and development of personal health improvement plans.
An Employee Assistance program is in place to provide confidential counselling and support to employees and their families, either face to face or by telephone.
An Industrial Hygiene Program periodically monitors common hazards including noise, dust, lighting, radiation and vibration. Where unacceptable levels are measured, effective controls are implemented to safeguard workers.
Security
OTML maintains a benign security environment at its facilities and around the Tabubil township. Security is managed by OTML’s Asset Protection Department (APD), supported by contracted (unarmed) security guards and the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC), a mix of Provincial Police and Mobile Squad personnel shared between Tabubil and Kiunga.
Interactions with the RPNGC are guided through the APD under a draft Memorandum of Understanding capturing OTML’s requirement for compliance with the United Nations Voluntary Principles of Human Rights (UNVPHR). Funding to assist the presence of RPNGC at Tabubil and Kiunga is provided by OTML under an MOU.
The security risk to people and property in Tabubil is low as it is a company controlled, open township. Settlements adjacent to the town and along the Tabubil – Kiunga highway represent a potentially emerging risk as the population grows.
A set of “Golden Rules of Social Behaviour” is strictly applied for employees and visitors to Tabubil. Vehicles are inspected at a checkpoint on the highway and contraband confiscated. Greater use of technology is being applied for surveillance and access control.
OTML promotes a proactive approach to security based on sound community relations and respectful behaviours.
Kiunga is the regional government centre and is not a company town. The population of Kiunga is growing, and Kiunga will likely become the future administrative centre for Western Province. OTML’s operations in Kiunga are only a small part of the activities at Kiunga, and all of OTML functional areas are fully fenced, including the port area.
